Week In Review: 2/21/16 – 2/28/16
Free Agent Rumors:
- Broncos optimistic for long-term deal with linebacker Von Miller (link)
- Defensive end Olivier Vernon could be tagged-and-traded by the Dolphins (link)
- Running back Doug Martin is likely to leave the Buccaneers (link)
- Browns receiver Travis Benjamin plans to test free agent market (link)
- Safety Tashaun Gipson preparing to move on from Browns (link)
Franchise Tags:
- Bears – Alshon Jeffery, WR (likely)
- Bills – Cordy Glenn, LT (likely)
- Rams – Trumaine Johnson, CB (likely)
- Ravens – Justin Tucker, K (announced)
- Washington – Kirk Cousins (latest)
Extended:
- 49ers – Brent Celek, TE (through 2019) and Quinton Dial, DT (through 2019)
- Eagles – Malcolm Jenkins, S (through 2020)
Released/Waived:
- Colts – Jonathan Newsome and Andy Studebaker, LBs (link)
- Eagles – DeMeco Ryans, LB (link)
- Jets – Antonio Cromartie, CB (link)
- Saints – Marques Colston, WR (link)
Signed:
- Broncos – Phil Taylor, DT (link)
Other News:
- The NFL announced the 2016 salary cap will be set at $155.27MM.
- 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has requested permission to seek a trade.
- Offensive tackle Anthony Davis will apply for reinstatement after sitting out the 2015 season.
- Two clubs have inquired about trading for Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Lions Notes: Iloka, Ngata, Reiff, Ansah, Taylor
The Lions plan to target Bengals safety George Iloka when the free agent period begins Match 9, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Cincinnati director of pro personnel Duke Tobin recently said his club would be “proactive” when it comes to re-signing Iloka and the team’s other free agents, but there’s no question the 25-year-old Iloka is set up for a big payday. PFR’s Connor Byrne pointed to Iloka as a possible solution for the Lions at safety in his recent preview of Detroit’s offseason.
Here’s the latest out of the Motor City, all courtesy of Birkett:
- Free agent defensive lineman Haloti Ngata is “increasingly likely” to return to Detroit, per Birkett. The two sides reportedly aren’t far off in negotiations, and the Lions and Ngata’s representatives have until March 9 to work out what Birkett terms a “bridgeable gap.”
- While general manager Bob Quinn last week said that Riley Reiff will remain with the Lions at $8MM+ salary, Birkett says that is not an indication the the club is sold on Reiff as its left tackle of the future. Quinn, in fact, would like to upgrade the position, but it’s unlikely that Detroit will be able to find a better option on the free agent market.
- There’s no indication that the Lions will work out extensions with defensive lineman Ziggy Ansah or Devin Taylor this offseason, according to Birkett. Of course, the club doesn’t need to be in any rush, as it controls both players through the 2016 season (and realistically, through 2017 for Ansah, as Detroit hold a fifth-year option on the defensive end).
- Punter Sam Martin, like Ansah and Taylor a member of the Lions’ 2013 draft class, has changed agents, which could be a sign that he wants a new deal, writes Birkett.
- The Lions will be in the market for a receiver if Calvin Johnson follows through on retirement, and Birkett hears that the top free agent pass-catchers — outside of the franchise-tagged Alshon Jeffery, the class is headed by Travis Benjamin and Marvin Jones — are expected to target $6MM per year. For what it’s worth, a report earlier this month indicated that Jones would actually look for $7MM annually.
Seahawks, Michael Bennett Discussing New Deal
Defensive end Michael Bennett recently hired Relativity Sports as his new representation, and his new agent has met with the Seahawks about a new deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Bennett was previously a client of Rosenhaus sports.
[RELATED: Seahawks, Pete Carroll working on extension]
The 30-year-old Bennett has been seeking a new contract for the better part of a year, and he’s current set to enter the third year of a four-year, $28.5MM deal he signed prior to the 2013 season. Bennett has clearly outplayed that agreement — he once again graded among the top-five edge defenders per Pro Football Focus — but as I outlined last year, Bennett only has himself to blame, as he could have earned much more than his current $7.125MM annual value had he gone to the open market in 2013.
Though Bennett threatened to hold out last summer, Seattle has shown a reluctance to redo any part of his contract. But as Rapoport notes, Relativity Sports is the same agency that got the Seahawks to extend running back Marshawn Lynch on a short-term deal. So if that history means anything, perhaps the two sides can come to some sort of agreement.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Cole’s Latest: Kaepernick, Jenkins, Wallace
A report earlier today indicated that the Texans are not expected to trade for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and Jason Cole of Bleaher Report (Twitter link) confirms that information, relaying that he was “told strongly” that Houston will not be dealing for Kaepernick. However, the Texans could have interest in Kaepernick if he is released by San Francisco.
Here’s more from Cole:
- Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins has fired his agent, according to Cole (video link), after Jenkins found Los Angeles’ latest offer of five years and $45MM unacceptable. Jenkins must now wait five days to hire a new agent, during which point the Rams cannot negotiate with him. As Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News writes, Los Angeles can still the place the franchise/transition tag on Jenkins in advance of Tuesday’s deadline (though the latest reports have the Rams leaning towards using the tag on fellow corner Trumaine Johnson). Jenkins, per Cole, is expected to hire the Schwartz and Feinsod agency for representation.
- Vikings GM Rick Spielman is set to meet with the agent for receiver Mike Wallace at the combine in the hopes of convincing Wallace to accept a paycut, Cole reports (video link). Wallace is scheduled to count $11.5MM against the cap in 2016, and Minnesota can clear out all that money by releasing him.
- There is mutual interest between the Dolphins and free agent offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz “down the line,” tweets Cole. The Giants released Schwartz earlier this month, so he’s free to sign with any club immediately.
- North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz drew rave reviews at the combine, according to Cole (video link), and while he looks like the favorite to be the first quarterback off the board in April’s draft, Cal’s Jared Goff is still in the running, as well.
- Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan had offseason surgery on his lower back, per Cole (video link), but the operation was considered minor by both club and player. Jordan should be ready for New Orleans’ offseason program.
Rams Want To Extend Alec Ogletree, Tavon Austin
Flush with nearly $60MM in cap space heading into the 2016 league year, the Rams will seek to extend one exciting young player on each side of the ball, as Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News reports (Twitter link) that the club is likely to open negotiations later this offseason on long-term deals for linebacker Alec Ogletree and receiver Tavon Austin.
[RELATED: Rams leaning towards using franchise tag on CB Trumaine Johnson]
This isn’t the first report to indicate that an Ogletree extension could be forthcoming, as Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported earlier this month that the Rams would meet with Ogletree’s representatives at the combine. General manager Les Snead has also indicated that coming to an agreement with Ogletree would be a priority this offseason.
The 24-year-old Ogletree had an injury-plagued season in 2015, as he played in only four games before being placed on injured reserve/designated to return after undergoing ankle surgery. Due to the designation, he wasn’t eligible to return to game action until Week 16, and due to either his condition or the inconsequential nature of the Rams’ final two contests, Ogletree never got back on the field. A career weakside linebacker, Ogletree is expected to move to the middle in 2016 to replace James Laurinaitis, especially if Los Angeles is able to re-sign Mark Barron to play the WILL.
Austin, like Ogletree a member of the Rams’ 2013 draft class, had a breakout campaign in 2015, posting career highs in starts, receptions, yards, and touchdowns, and was also a factor in the ground game, rushing for more than 400 yards and scoring 4 times. Austin, who will turn 25 next month, also averaged 7.8 yards per punt return and brought one back for a touchdown. Former offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, for all his faults, helped Austin to the best season of his career, and it’s open question as to whether new play-caller Rob Boras can continue to aid Austin’s development.
The Rams can control Ogletree and Austin through the 2017 season via the fifth-year option — given that the club is intent on extending both players, exercising the options should be a foregone conclusion. Because he as a top-10 selection, Austin would be entitled to the value of the 2017 wide receiver transition tag value, which should be worth around $13MM. Ogletree’s salary would be a bit more complicated, as it would be determined by the average of the third through 25th top salaries among linebackers.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Patriots Notes: Jones, Hightower, Ebner, Hogan
The Patriots have filled the vacancy created when Bob Quinn left for the Lions, as Dave Ziegler has been promoted to director of pro personnel, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Ziegler, 38, had spent the past three year’s as Quinn’s No. 2, and previously worked for the Broncos under current New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Here’s a bit more on the Patriots…
- New England has an impressive crop of players entering the final year of their contracts, as Chandler Jones, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, and Malcolm Butler — among others — will be free agents after the 2016 season. But the club hadn’t initiated extension talks with any of those players as of Friday, reports Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. The Patriots might begin contract conversations after free agency concludes, per Volin, but Hightower, for his part, appears likely to play out the season on his fifth-year option without coming to a long-term agreement.
- Receivers Danny Amendola and Brandon LaFell are both potential cap casualties, but the Patriots haven’t “tipped their hand” about their plans for the pass-catchers, writes Volin. Additionally, offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer and Marcus Cannon, also though to be on the roster bubble, aren’t sure of their status.
- The Patriots want to retain free agent defensive back Nate Ebner — a special-teams ace — but the team is playing “hardball” at the moment, and hopes that it can re-sign Ebner for the veteran’s minimum.
- Defensive tackle Alan Branch‘s $400K option bonus is due on the third day of the new league year, according to Reiss. If he’s retained, the 31-year-old Branch is due to count $2.75MM against New England’s cap.
- The Patriots have a history of targeting restricted free agents — both those who are tendered by their clubs and those who aren’t — and one such player who might interest New England this offseason is Bills receiver Chris Hogan, per Reiss, who notes that Buffalo may not tender Hogan due to its salary cap restraints.
Washington LB Junior Galette Fires Agent
Pending free agent linebacker Junior Galette has fired his agent due to his unhappiness with ongoing contract negotiations, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Galette must wait five days to replace the fired Peter Schaffer, and talks with Washington are currently suspended.
[RELATED: PFR previews Washington’s 2016 offseason]
Per Jones, Galette is intent on signing a one-year, “pillow” contract, similar to the deal he signed with Washington last season after being cut by the Saints. The club, however, is countering with multi-year proposals featuring incentives that, despite being recommended by Schaffer, are of no interest to the 27-year-old Galette.
While still being paid $12.5MM by New Orleans, Galette last year agreed to a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum — an option that Galette is not considering this time around, per Jones. “[Washington is] who my heart is with,” said Galette “I just want a one-year deal, and it has to be a fair deal. I’m not putting a number out there, but it has to be fair.”
Despite wanting to remain in Washington, Galette says he is open to entertaining offers from other teams. And while other suitors might be out there on the open market, Galette is still a bit hamstrung — his 2015 contract allowed Washington the right of first refusal in 2016, so the team has the option of matching any offer Galette receives from another NFL club.
Galette, of course, never actually played for Washington in 2015, having torn his Achilles in August. According to Jones, Galette’s recovery has gone well, and he remains on track to fully participate in offseason work with Washington — or his next team.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Big Name Rumors: Kaepernick, Miller, Martin
Let’s take a look at some rumors surrounding the biggest names of this offseason, beginning with updates on Colin Kaepernick and Von Miller.
- Contrary to yesterday’s speculation from Ian Rapoport, John McClain of The Houston Chronicle tweets that the Texans have “no interest” in trading for Kaepernick. Likewise, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Browns are not interested in dealing for Kaepernick at this time.
- As Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee observes, now that Kaepernick’s unhappiness with the 49ers is public knowledge, the team has zero leverage in trade talks. Instead of being traded, Kaepernick would reportedly prefer to be released, an alternative that would probably lead to less money for him but would allow him to choose his next destination. However, a release is probably not in the cards, as Mark Purdy of The San Jose Mercury News writes. Purdy recently interviewed team owner Jed York at length, and York reaffirmed his belief in Kaepernick and expressed his hope that No. 7 is wearing a 49ers uniform next season. Plus, even if Kaepernick is still on the team’s roster on April 1, which would make his $11.9MM salary for 2016 fully guaranteed, San Francisco would still be able to trade him and at least get something in return, instead of releasing him prior to April 1 and netting no compensation.
- Of course, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, York’s comments could simply be a thinly-veiled attempt to restore some leverage to the 49ers in their efforts to deal Kaepernick, leverage that they may need even more now that the Texans and Browns are reportedly not interested in making a deal for the disgruntled signal-caller.
- Mike Klis of 9News.com tweets that the Broncos and Miller still have a lot of work to do before Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline, but he says that talks are still ongoing and the implication is that both sides are hopeful that a long-term deal can be struck before Denver is forced to use the tag. As Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post reported several days ago, Miller is motivated to reach an accord, and the two sides are not terribly far apart in their negotiations.
- Antonio Cromartie might not be garnering many national headlines at this point, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the veteran cornerback, who was recently released by the Jets, is expected to meet with the Bills. Buffalo head coach Rex Ryan is reportedly interested in a reunion with Cromartie, who played under Ryan in New York from 2011-2013 and who earned Pro Bowl nods in 2012 and 2013.
- Although he does not not explicitly say that Doug Martin is likely to leave the Buccaneers, as a report suggested a few days ago, Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times does confirm that Martin is likely to reach free agency.
Latest On Sam Bradford, Eagles
11:30am: Mike Garafolo of FOXSports writes that the Eagles upped their offer to Bradford during the team’s meetings with Condon last week. Although the terms of the offer remain unknown, sources indicate that the offer is “at the top of [Bradford’s] expected range on the open market and…should help get him under contract before that market opens on March 9.”
10:00am: In keeping with other reports we have heard this month, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer and colleague Bob Ford of The Philadelphia Inquirer confirm that the Eagles’ “Plan A” for the quarterback position is to re-sign Sam Bradford. However, the team is not committed to Bradford to the extent that it would be willing to use the franchise tag on him, leading Ford to write that Bradford would be welcomed back with open arms, but not necessarily an open wallet.
[RELATED: Negotiations between Eagles and Bradford are ongoing]
If Bradford does choose to test the free agent waters, McLane believes that he may not have as many suitors as he and his agent, Tom Condon, once thought. Indeed, McLane’s informal poll of league executives, coaches, scouts, and agents strongly suggested that Bradford will test the market only to realize that his best option will be to remain in Philadelphia. Negotiations between Bradford and the Eagles are still ongoing, but it remains unclear how much of a gap the two parties will need to bridge.
Ford, for his part, looks at some of the options Bradford could have if he and the Eagles are unable to strike a deal. The teams with both an unsettled quarterback situation and a significant amount of cap space include the Rams, Browns, and 49ers. There is no way Bradford returns to the Rams, the team that originally drafted him, and while the 49ers make some sense as a potential landing spot–assuming San Francisco parts ways with Colin Kaepernick–Ford is skeptical that Bradford would voluntarily sign up for “another chance to get killed in a Chip Kelly offense.” At this point, it is even harder to imagine a quarterback with any alternatives choosing to play for Cleveland.
Ford describes the Texans as having a tighter cap situation than the three above-referenced clubs, but Houston does have over $31MM in cap room, as Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle writes. The Texans are looking for a fresh start at the quarterback position, and a competent quarterback like Bradford, along with the team’s excellent defense, could allow them to make a deep playoff run. As of now, though, the fit between Bradford and Houston is merely a speculative one.
Outside of those possible destinations, teams like Washington, the Broncos, and the Jets are currently engaged in mating dances with their own signal-callers, and if one or more of those negotiations break down, Bradford could have that many more suitors, but that does not seem especially likely at the moment.
As such, Bradford could, as McLane’s poll suggests, end up needing the Eagles. But Condon, of course, will also say the Eagles need Bradford. There are no “can’t-miss” quarterback prospects in the draft, and the free agent crop of QBs is predictably underwhelming. New head coach Doug Pederson has been touting free agent Chase Daniel as a starting-caliber player, but that may be as much a negotiating ploy as a legitimately-held belief (although Pederson, who coached Daniel in Kansas City, does appear to truly believe in Daniel’s skill-set).
McLane writes that the Eagles do have a backup plan if Bradford walks, which would likely be to use the team’s No. 13 overall pick on one of the consensus top three quarterbacks in the draft: Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, or Paxton Lynch (assuming, of course, one of them falls to the Eagles). And even if Bradford returns, the team is likely to use a late-round selection on a developmental project. But at the moment, it appears that Bradford and the Eagles will end up back together. The question is when that will happen, and at what price.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
East Notes: Eagles, Cousins, Jets
We recently rounded up the latest reports concerning Sam Bradford‘s status with the Eagles, so let’s dive into some more notes from the league’s east divisions, starting with more out of Philadelphia:
- The Eagles were the only team to avoid drafting an offensive lineman in the 2014 and 2015 drafts, but Zach Berman of The Philadelphia Inquirer expects that to change in 2016. Head coach Doug Pederson has spoken highly of this draft’s class of offensive linemen, and although the team could address its deficiencies along the O-line in free agency, Philadelphia is likely to use at least one of its nine draft choices on a guard or a tackle who could begin his career on the interior of the line.
- Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com examines the risks involved for Washington if the team were to offer a long-term deal to Kirk Cousins. Fitzgerald does not believe Washington should go higher than $15MM per year for Cousins, and he says that if the two sides cannot come to an agreement on a multi-year deal, the team should place the transition tag on its quarterback.
- Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum is now the Dolphins‘ executive vice president of football operations, and former Jets head coach Rex Ryan is now the Bills‘ head coach. As Brian Costello of The New York Post writes, that situation may be creating some additional leverage for impending Jets free agents like Damon Harrison who have ties to Ryan and Tannenbaum and who might have a landing spot in Buffalo or Miami if they do not get paid by New York.
- The Jets‘ plan remains to continue negotiating with Ryan Fitzpatrick, and the team is not interested in trading for Colin Kaepernick, according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com.
- The Patriots are looking hard at running backs, both in the draft and in free agency, per Ben Volin of The Boston Globe. New England is typically loathe to spend more than $1MM on a running back, but Volin believes the team may splurge a bit on a veteran this year, considering how badly the Pats were handicapped by the lack of a running game in their loss to Denver in the AFC Championship Game.
- However, the Patriots will not dramatically alter their usual low-key approach to the offseason just because they do not have a first-round pick, according to Christopher Price of WEEI.com.